A quick and fun way to stay close with kids from far away

I’m lucky enough to be the godmother of four beautiful children, but because they live far from me, I don’t get to see them very often.

Last year, I was thinking and praying about how to keep in touch with these beloved children from far away. 

I know that when a little kid doesn’t see someone for a while, they often forget that person exists. And a phone call or FaceTime call can be kind of overwhelming for a small child. 

What could I do to help my godchildren know that I love them and keep our relationship strong, even though I don’t get to see them very often?

One day it occurred to me that kids love getting something in the mail, and they love stickers.

I had the idea to get a pack of greeting cards and seasonal stickers, and start sending a letter and sticker sheet to my godkids every month. 

My oldest godchild wrote back to me, so now we have a lovely little pen-pal correspondence going on. For my younger godchildren who can’t read yet, I write, “I love you and I'm praying for you!” for Mom and Dad to read aloud to them. 

This idea came to me on a whim, but it’s proved to be a big hit. The parents report that the kids love getting these letters in the mail and it makes them so happy.

If you love a child who lives far from you, sending a letter is a beautiful way to show you love them and are thinking about them. It only takes a minute or two out of your day, and it’s guaranteed to make them happy.

You can make the process even easier by setting up a “snail mail station.” I have a spot high up on a bookshelf (very high up … so my toddler can’t reach!) with stamps, pens, and cards, so everything is ready when I have a spare minute to write a card.

If you’re a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or anyone who loves a kiddo from far away, give it a try. The letter is so fun for them to receive, and stickers are icing on the cake … and hopefully will keep them entertained for a few minutes, which Mom and Dad will appreciate!

This little tradition I’ve started is especially important to me as a godmother. I take my job seriously to pray for my godchildren and be a good example to them:

Hopefully my godchildren will know through my letters that I’m praying for them to become saints, even though I can’t always be with them as much as I would like. 

Give it a try, and I hope it’s as big a success for you as it has been for me!